The City of Virginia Beach has adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which originated from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant administered by Smart Growth America. The grant funded a two-day Complete Streets workshop with various city, state, and regional stakeholders and the public.

Purpose of a Complete Streets Policy

The purpose of the Complete Streets Policy is to improve Virginia Beach's transportation system by providing safe, attractive travel options for all users that emphasize connectivity and are designed in harmony with adjacent land uses. This policy will ensure that all users are considered during the design and construction of new roadways.

"Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work. They allow buses to run on time and make it safe for people to walk to and from train stations."

Goals of the City’s Complete Streets Policy

• Consider all users in all aspects of the project development process for surface transportation.
• Match and balance roadway functions with user needs as part of the larger transportation network.
• Develop the public rights of way in harmony with adjacent land uses.
• Develop an attractive and sustainable transportation system.
• Promote public health by supporting healthy lifestyle choices and improved air quality.
• Promote safety and accident reduction.
• Increase the economic value of business districts and neighborhoods.
  

Design Standards & Guidelines

The following standards and guidelines will be used as applicable when designing Complete Streets; however, flexibility may be considered to the fullest extent allowed by law and regulation.

• Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets
• Guide for the Planning, Designing and Operating of Pedestrian Facilities
• Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
• Roadside Development Guide
• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines
• ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• Virginia Supplement to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Road Design Manual
• Road & Bridge Standards
• Structure & Bridge Manual
• Multimodal System Design Guidelines
• Public Works Design Standards Manual